Top 5 Pasta Dishes That Will Make Your Mouth Feel Good

Tomatoes are an important ingredient in many pasta dishes and sauces, and they may also play a key role in promoting oral health. Tomatoes contain lycopene, the chemical that gives tomatoes their color. Studies have shown that lycopene could help prevent oral cancer by helping the body to continue a natural process that gets rids of cells that aren't developing correctly.

Tomato-based red sauces may also include chopped onions, carrots, celery and garlic for an additional nutritional boost. For a heartier dish packed with protein, try pasta bolognese -- a tomato-based sauce with ground beef or sausage added.

It's not spaghetti, it's squash!

Looking for a low-calorie alternative pasta? Try spaghetti squash, a cylinder-shaped vegetable usually weighing between 4 to 8 pounds (1.8 to 3.6 kilograms). It's easy to cook by baking, boiling or microwaving. When it's done, simply separate the strands with a fork and serve. Spaghetti squash is delicious served with butter, pesto, tomato or Alfredo sauce.